A Hispanic group out of Racine voiced their concerns about Donald Trump becoming president-elect.
Some are already planning ways to fight back against deportation.
The Ruiz family says they're now an easy target. The Ruiz’s moved to America 17 years ago to give their oldest daughter, Valeria, a better future. Like many Hispanic families in southeastern Wisconsin, the Ruiz’s had their eyes glued to the TV Tuesday night. As Donald Trump's lead began to grow, so did the worries about their future.
"I could face deportation,” Ruiz said. “Not only myself, but also my parents."
Valeria Ruiz has lived in Racine since she was three years old. While she was in high school, a program called DACA came out to protect illegal immigrants who moved to the U.S. before age 16.
"We do get a work permit, a Social Security (Number), protection from deportation and it's renewable every two years," Ruiz said.
To even apply, her parents had to provide all their information to the federal government.
Ruiz fears Donald Trump will push to shut down that program and send her family back to Mexico.
"Going back to a country I don't know, I don't know what to expect," she said.
Bob Spindell with the Republican Party of Wisconsin said Trump's proposed policies revolve more around enhanced border security while focusing on undocumented immigrants with criminal backgrounds.
"I don't think his priorities are anywhere near trying to deport huge numbers of law-abiding citizens," he said.
Ruiz worries Trump's ideas will have more serious consequences for more than 9 million undocumented citizens. The last thing she wants is to have to leave her 9-year-old sister, who’s an American citizen, behind.
"Does my life not matter to him? Am I somebody who just doesn't exist?," Ruiz questioned.
The youth branch of Voces de la Frontera is hosting its own march against Donald Trump Thursday. The UWM chapter of 'Youth Empowered in the Struggle' will meet at 5:30 p.m. at Red Arrow Park. Their Facebook page doesn't announce where they'll be marching to.
